49ers fall 16-13 to Rams in overtime

Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers returns to the sideline after turning the ball over for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 2, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the 49ers 16-13 in overtime. less

Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers returns to the sideline after turning the ball over for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 2, 2012 in St. Louis, ... more

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers, left, and St. Louis Rams' Janoris Jenkins react after Akers missed a 51-yard field goal attempt in overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis. The Rams won 16-13. less

San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers, left, and St. Louis Rams' Janoris Jenkins react after Akers missed a 51-yard field goal attempt in overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis. ... more

Photo: Jeff Roberson / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, right, tries to toss the ball to teammate Ted Ginn as St. Louis Rams' Quintin Mikell (27) defends during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis. The play was ruled a fumble, recovered by Rams' Janoris Jenkins who took it in for a touchdown. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, right, tries to toss the ball to teammate Ted Ginn as St. Louis Rams' Quintin Mikell (27) defends during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Seth Perlman / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn is unable to pick up a fumble by quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the second half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis. Rams' Janoris Jenkins recovered the fumble and took it in for a touchdown. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn is unable to pick up a fumble by quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the second half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. ... more

Photo: Seth Perlman / Associated Press

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Frank Gore (21) of the 49ers is pulled down after a short gain by James Laurinaitis (55) of the St. Louis Rams during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri. less

Frank Gore (21) of the 49ers is pulled down after a short gain by James Laurinaitis (55) of the St. Louis Rams during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones ... more

Photo: Danny Reise / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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Head coach of the 49ers Jim Harbaugh during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Head coach of the 49ers Jim Harbaugh during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Photo: Danny Reise / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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Colin Kaepernick (7) of the 49ers sends a pass to Bruce Miller (49) of the 49ers during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Colin Kaepernick (7) of the 49ers sends a pass to Bruce Miller (49) of the 49ers during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Photo: Danny Reise / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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Patrick Willis (52) of the 49ers during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Patrick Willis (52) of the 49ers during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Photo: Danny Reise / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick looks to throw during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick looks to throw during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Seth Perlman / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is sacked for a 7-yard loss by St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (58) and defensive end William Hayes, right, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is sacked for a 7-yard loss by St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (58) and defensive end William Hayes, right, during the first quarter of an NFL ... more

Photo: Seth Perlman / Associated Press

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) talks to teammates in the huddle during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) talks to teammates in the huddle during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) scores on a 1-yard run during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) scores on a 1-yard run during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Seth Perlman / Associated Press

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 2: Lance Kendricks #88 of the St. Louis Rams catches a pass against Donte Whitner #31 of the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 2, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri.

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 2: Lance Kendricks #88 of the St. Louis Rams catches a pass against Donte Whitner #31 of the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 2, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 02: Cornerback Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles tight end Lance Kendricks #88 of the St. Louis Rams during the game at the Edward Jones Dome on December 02, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. less

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 02: Cornerback Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles tight end Lance Kendricks #88 of the St. Louis Rams during the game at the Edward Jones Dome on December 02, 2012 in ... more

Photo: David Welker / Getty Images

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 2: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers avoids getting tackled by William Hayes #95 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 2, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri.

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 2: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers avoids getting tackled by William Hayes #95 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 2, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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Patrick Willis (52) of the 49ers during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Patrick Willis (52) of the 49ers during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Photo: Danny Reise / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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Chris Givens (13) of the St. Louis Rams breaks free from a tackle by Carlos Rogers (22) of the 49ers during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri. less

Chris Givens (13) of the St. Louis Rams breaks free from a tackle by Carlos Rogers (22) of the 49ers during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. ... more

Photo: Danny Reise / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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Colin Kaepernick (7) of the 49ers under pressure runs to to the side line during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Colin Kaepernick (7) of the 49ers under pressure runs to to the side line during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Photo: Danny Reise / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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Head coach of the 49ers Jim Harbaugh watching the 49ers kick the first extra point during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Head coach of the 49ers Jim Harbaugh watching the 49ers kick the first extra point during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Missouri.

Photo: Danny Reise / SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore runs for a 23-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore runs for a 23-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) takes up his position as St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) prepares for the play during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis. less

San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) takes up his position as St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) prepares for the play during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, ... more

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) hands off to running back Steven Jackson during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) hands off to running back Steven Jackson during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore runs for a 23-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore runs for a 23-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Seth Perlman / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Jeff Roberson / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, left, scores on a 1-yard run past St. Louis Rams linebacker Josh Hull during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, left, scores on a 1-yard run past St. Louis Rams linebacker Josh Hull during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith laughs as he warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith laughs as he warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) gets past St. Louis Rams free safety Quintin Mikell on his way to a 23-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis. less

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) gets past St. Louis Rams free safety Quintin Mikell on his way to a 23-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in ... more

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick scrambles during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick scrambles during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Tattoos are seen on the arm of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick as he warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis. less

Tattoos are seen on the arm of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick as he warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, ... more

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith smiles as he warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith smiles as he warms up before the start of an NFL football game between the St. Louis Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks takes up his position during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks takes up his position during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tavares Gooden takes up his position during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tavares Gooden takes up his position during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in St. Louis.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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49ers fall 16-13 to Rams in overtime

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ST. LOUIS – After squandering a late fourth-quarter lead thanks to an ugly turnover by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers fell to the Rams, 16-13, in overtime today after Rams rocket-legged rookie Greg Zuerlein drilled a 54-yard field goal.

Zuerlein’s game-winner came with 26 seconds left and ensured the teams, against astronomical odds, didn’t finish their game tied for the second time in three weeks.

As he did in the teams’ first meeting, 49ers placekicker David Akers missed a field goal in overtime. Akers missed from 51 yards after misfiring from 41 yards in San Francisco’s 24-24 tie with the Rams on Nov. 11.

With the 49ers leading 10-2 with just over three minutes left in regulation, Kaepernick, on 3rd-and-3 at San Francisco’s 17, airmailed a read-option pitch over the head of wide receiver Ted Ginn, who was lined up behind Frank Gore in the backfield.

St. Louis cornerback Janoris Jenkins beat Ginn to the loose ball and rolled into the end zone for a touchdown. St. Louis tied the game, 10-10, on quarterback Sam Bradford’s two-point conversion pass to tight end Lance Kendricks, which was preceded by a false-start penalty.

Two plays later, however, Kaepernick made some amends by zig-zagging through the Rams defense.

On 1st-and-10 from San Francisco’s 36, he zoomed around right end, picked up a key downfield block from Frank Gore and raced 50 yards to St. Louis’ 14 to set up a 33-yard field goal by Akers.

With 94 seconds left, the Rams roared right back.

A drive keyed by scrambles of 14 and 11 yards by Bradford set the stage for Zuerlein, who hammered a game-tying 53-yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime.

The eventful ending was preceded by a tame opening two quarters.

The only points of the opening half came on the 49ers’ 11-play, 60-yard touchdown that was kick-started by Gore’s 23-yard run on the first play. Gore capped the march with a one-yard scoring run and tied Gene Washington for fifth all-time on the franchise’s career touchdown list (59).

On the drive, Kaepernick was 3 of 3 for 24 yards, connecting with fullback Bruce Miller for completions of 11 and six yards.

After managing 88 yards and four first downs in the first half, St. Louis opened the third quarter by driving 74 yards to set up a 4th-and-1 at San Francisco’s five-yard line. Trailing 7-0, they eschewed a field-goal and turned the ball over on downs when Bradford’s pass to wideout Austin Pettis was broken up by cornerback Tarell Brown in the right corner of the end zone.

Four plays later, however, St. Louis trimmed the deficit to 7-2 when Kaepernick was called for intentional grounding in the end zone.